A former Jefferson County sheriff pleaded guilty to a felony charge in federal court on Monday, admitting to kicking and stomping a man in the head during an arrest in 2010.
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- A former Jefferson County sheriff pleaded guilty to a felony charge in federal court on Monday, admitting to kicking and stomping a man in the head during an arrest in 2010.
Robert E. Shirley admitted in U.S. District Court in Martinsburg to using excessive force during the arrest of Mark Daniel Haines, breaking his nose and fracturing his orbital bone.
Shirley resigned as sheriff on Friday. He pleaded guilty on Monday to a charge of "deprivation of rights under color of law," according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's office in Wheeling.
The incident happened in December 2010, when Haines tried to rob the City National Bank in Ranson, then led police on a chase across two counties. The incident was captured on video from police cruisers.
Shirley had also faced charges of falsifying records during a subsequent investigation. The plea deal dropped that charge, according to the news release.
Shirley faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, the release states.
The former sheriff also tried to influence the testimony of one of the government's witnesses, which could impact his sentence, according to the release.
Shirley had been free on bond since he pleaded not guilty in June 2012 following his indictment, but was recently placed on home confinement, which he will remain on until his sentencing.
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- A former Jefferson County sheriff pleaded guilty to a felony charge in federal court on Monday, admitting to kicking and stomping a man in the head during an arrest in 2010.
Robert E. Shirley admitted in U.S. District Court in Martinsburg to using excessive force during the arrest of Mark Daniel Haines, breaking his nose and fracturing his orbital bone.
Shirley resigned as sheriff on Friday. He pleaded guilty on Monday to a charge of "deprivation of rights under color of law," according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's office in Wheeling.
The incident happened in December 2010, when Haines tried to rob the City National Bank in Ranson, then led police on a chase across two counties. The incident was captured on video from police cruisers.
Shirley had also faced charges of falsifying records during a subsequent investigation. The plea deal dropped that charge, according to the news release.
Shirley faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, the release states.
The former sheriff also tried to influence the testimony of one of the government's witnesses, which could impact his sentence, according to the release.
Shirley had been free on bond since he pleaded not guilty in June 2012 following his indictment, but was recently placed on home confinement, which he will remain on until his sentencing.
Get Connected